Receiver-Assisted LBT Beam Indication for Hidden Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately detecting interference proximate to the receiving device due to non-uniform interference along the wireless channel, particularly exacerbated by beamforming techniques, leading to potential transmission failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing receiver-assisted listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures where the receiving device performs LBT on a specified beam and indicates the results to the transmitting device, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of interference detection in unlicensed bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transmitting device performs clear channel assessment (CCA) to detect interference, then the transmitting device can identify potential interference in its environment, but the transmitting device may fail to detect interference in an environment proximate to the receiving device due to non-uniform interference conditions and beamforming techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional LBT approach by having the receiving device perform CCA instead of the transmitting device. The receiving device uses its receive beam to sense the channel and detect interference in its local environment, providing accurate channel status information to the transmitting device. This inversion resolves the contradiction by ensuring interference detection is performed from the perspective of the receiving device, which directly impacts transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a receiver-assisted LBT mechanism where the receiving device acts as an intermediary to perform channel sensing. The receiving device senses the channel using its receive beam and reports the channel status to the transmitting device, which then uses this information for transmission decisions. This intermediary approach allows the transmitting device to make informed decisions based on actual receiving environment conditions, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and reliability.
2Reliability
If beamforming techniques are used to improve signal directionality, then communication reliability is improved, but the 'hidden node' and 'exposed node' problems arise due to non-uniform interference conditions in different beam directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having the receiving device perform CCA using its receive beam to detect interference in the specific spatial direction relevant to the communication link. Each beam direction has its own interference characteristics, and the receiving device senses the channel quality locally in its beam direction. This localized sensing approach resolves the contradiction by adapting interference detection to the specific beam direction and spatial characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic beam indication where the receiving device is instructed to sense the channel using a receive beam corresponding to a transmit beam that will be used for data transmission. The system dynamically adapts the sensing beam to match the intended transmission beam, ensuring that interference detection is performed in the correct spatial direction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the hidden node and exposed node problems by aligning the sensing direction with the transmission direction.
3Productivity
If the transmitting device performs LBT procedure, then it can attempt transmission in unlicensed bands, but it may fail to detect interference that would prevent the receiving device from successfully receiving the transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the receiving device perform CCA and report the channel status to the transmitting device. The receiving device senses the channel using its receive beam and provides feedback information about the detected interference level and channel quality. The transmitting device uses this feedback to make informed transmission decisions, resolving the contradiction by ensuring that transmission attempts are based on accurate receiving environment information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the receiving device perform channel sensing before the transmitting device initiates data transmission. The receiving device senses the channel in advance and reports the results, allowing the transmitting device to prepare appropriate transmission parameters or defer transmission if interference is detected. This preliminary sensing action resolves the contradiction by ensuring interference detection occurs before transmission decisions are made.
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects include a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for wireless communication at user equipment of a mobile network, comprising receiving, from a base station via a first beam, a pre-grant message requesting the UE to perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure on a second beam. The aspects further include performing, according to the pre-grant message, the LBT procedure on the second beam. Additionally, the aspects include indicating, to the base station, whether the LBT procedure was successful.